Method and apparatus for setting up box blanks



Jan. 13, 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 2,868,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX-BLANKS Filed June 14. 1957 8Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

I BY LJ OSEPHMSCHMIED.

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J. M. SCHMIED Jan. 13, 1959 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOXBLANKS Filed June 14. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. JEJSEPH MSCHM/ED.BY

Jan. 13, 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 9 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOXBLANKS Filed June '14. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 I I INVENTOR.

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wzumawmmwm A TTO/FNEKSI Jan. 13, 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 2,868,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX BLANKS Filed June 14. 1957 8Sheets-Sheet 4 YINVENTOR. I Llama-PH M Sch/M150.

zm/mwmkwmw Jan. 13,' 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 2,868,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX BLANKS Filed June 14. 1 957 8Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. JZw-EPH M5CHM/ED.

mmwam/zkww Jan. 13, 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 2,368,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX BLANKS Filed June 14. 1957 8Sheets-Sheet 6 I I \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'|.v.

I (/0 SEPH ff g ii j sa Jan. 13, 1959 J. \M. SCHMIED 2,868,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING up BOX BLANKS Filed June 14. 1957 sSheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. L/OJEFH )7. ScHM/ED.

Jan. 13, 1959 J. M. SCHMIED 2,868,093

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX BLANKS Fild June 14. 195'? aSheets-Sheet 8 i l INVENTOR. I d osEPH M SCHM/E'D.

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METHGD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING UP BOX BLANKS Joseph M. chmied,Pawtncltet, R. L, assignor to St. Regis Paper Company, New York, N. Y.,a corporation of New York Application June 14, 1957, Serial No. 665,683

20 Claims. or. 93-49 This invention relates to methods and apparatus forsetting up box blanks, and more particularly to such apparatus forerecting initially flat box blanks, such as those of the corner lock boxtype.

Apparatus of this general type and methods heretofore employed for thepurpose of setting up flattened box blanks are considered unnecessarilyslow and burdened with disadvantages largely occasioned by thereciprocation of massive parts, such as reciprocating ram devices, whichare subject to substantial inertia problems.

Further, such prior apparatus is considered unnecessarily complicatedand expensive.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatusand method for setting up box blanks which overcomes the abovedifiiculties or reduces same to insignificance.

A further object of the invention is to provide such method andapparatus which avoids the use of reciprocative motion and of massivereciprocating parts where such is derogatory of high production rate andwhich method and apparatus as a consequence can achieve a productionrate not heretofore attained by the prior art.

The invention, in one aspect thereof, comprises apparatus foraccomplishing. the above objects and includes two sets of rotatablymounted hook-like means located on opposite sides of a box erectingregion and positioned for engaging opposite marginal areas of twoopposite side flaps of such a box blank urging such areas toward oneanother responsive to such hook-like means angularly shifting towardsone another about parallel spaced axes. Such side flaps are thus pivotedor angularly shifted about their respective base edges (along which theyare connected to a box base) and are progressively set up or erectedrelative to such base. Rotatable box blank guide means are provided forcoacting with and rotating with the aforementioned hook-like meansduring such setting up of the side flaps for engaging exteriorly thereofend lock strips located along the front and rear margins of each of suchside flaps and bowing or bellying same inwardly of the box blankresponsive to such angular shifting. The rotatable hook-like means androtatable guide means are shaped for cooperating concurrently alsoduring such setting up of the side flaps to press outwardly of the boxblank, each side flap center panel located intermediate each pair ofsuch end lock strips thereby causing such center panels to curve orbelly outwardly of the box blank thereby to spread open corner lockslits of the blank, which slits separate such end lock strips from theirrespective center panels, the opening of each such slit adapting samefor the reception of its respective corner tab which is connected to itsrespective side edge of a side wall of the box blank, the side walls inturn also being connected each along an edge to the box base. Theaforementioned rotatable hook-like means and guide means are thusadapted for moving the box blank while so forming same, asaforementioned. Fixed side wall guide means (also referred to as fixedside wall erecting or forming elements) are positioned along opposite 2margins of the path of the box blank for engaging the opposite sidewalls thereof responsive to the aforementioned movement. Responsive tosuch side walls being pressed against said fixed side wall guide meansunder the influence of the angularly shifting hook-like means, such sidewalls also are caused to pivot or shift angularly about their respectivebase edges and thus also are progressively set up or erected relative tothe box base. Said rotatable and fixed guide means include portionswhich are shaped and disposed relative to one another for coactingduring such progressive setting up of the side walls and flaps to guidesuch corner tabs into such open corner lock slits responsive to theaforementioned .movernent thereby fully to set up thebox. Each of thecorner tabs of the box blank are provided with lock tips which, inresponse to the full penetration of such tabs into such corner lockslits, engage an edge of the latter thereby to lock the tabs in positionand hence to lock the box in its erected condition. The box blank mustbe fully disengaged from the hook-like means prior to the two sets ofthe latter commencing to move away from one another in the course of therotation thereof, otherwise the box blank will be destroyed.Accordingly, a pair of box blank stripper fingers is provided, eachfinger mounted on a suitable endles belt, and each belt mounted formovement on opposite sides of the path of the box blank. The endlessbelts are driven at a speed sufficient to move the stripper fingers at asubstantially greater rate than the hook-like means. The movement ofsuch stripper fingers and hook-like means is timed such that the formerdisengage the box blank from the latter in a timely manner asaforementioned.

The above and further objects and novel features will more fully appearhereinafter from the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, the latter showing examples of certain preferredembodiments of the invention but not comprising a definition of thelimits of the invention, reference for this latter purpose being had tothe appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of apparatus embodying thepresent invention showing same in an operating position acting upon abox blank;

Pig. 2 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of theapparatus of Fig. l and for purposes of clarity shown without a boxblank and with parts omitted;

Figs. 3a to 3d, inclusive, comprise a series of perspective views ofseveral successive steps in the erection of a boxblank by the apparatusof Fig. l, the apparatus shown in the latter Fig. 1 in turn showing theposition of the parts of the apparatus intermediate the positions ofFigs. 3b and 3c;

Fig. 4- is a side elevation, partly in section and with parts brokenaway, of an apparatus embodying the present invention including theapparatus of Pig. 2 and illustrating the means for setting up a boxblank in combina tion with a feeder of such box blanks positioned fordelivering a succession of blanks'to the apparatus per se for setting upthe blanks;

Fig. 5 is a front elevation, also partly in section and with partsbroken away, of the apparatus shown in Fig.

4 but with certain portions of the box blank feeder eliminated forpurposes of clarity;

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of a box blank feeding apparatus similar tothat shown in Fig. 4 but modified by the addition of box blank lock tipbending means;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 77 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 8-.8 of Fig.4;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view, partly in section and withparts broken away, of a pair of coaxial spaced aseaoos box forming drumsalso shown in Fig. 5, said pair of drums comprising one of two pairsemployed in the present invention, such pairs being located on oppositesides of a box forming region;

Figs. a to 10e, inclusive, comprise a series of successive views showingsuccessive stages in the setting up of a box blank in accordance withthe present invention and in somewhat greater detail than in previousfigures, and showing further the operation of slightly modified parts ofthe apparatus as compared with the succession of views of Figs. 3a to3d, inclusive, aforementioned; and

Figs. 11a to 11d, inclusive, also comprise successive views ofsuccessive stages in the setting up of a box blank in accordance withthe invention but from a different point of view as compared with Figs.lOa-lOd, inclusive, Figs. 1la11d, inclusive, corresponding to thesuccessive stages of said Figs. lOa-lOd aforementioned, Figs. llalldcomprising sectional views taken along a plane normal to the axes ofrotation of the two pairs of rotating drums aforementioned, such planebeing interposed between the pairs of coaxial drums.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail with particularreference to Figs. 1 and 10a, there will first be described a typicalbox blank of the so-called corner lockbox type which the apparatusembodying the present invention is adapted for setting up. The boxblank, which will now be described, is similar to that shown anddescribed in U. S. Patent No. 2,553,870. It is, however, to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to a method or apparatusfor setting up this particular type of box blank. Such box blank 20comprises a box base 20a having front and rear side walls 21 and 22,respectively, which are connected to the front and rear edgesrespectively of the aforementioned box base 20a. Each of the front andrear side walls 21 and 22 has connected respectively to its left andright side edges, corner lock tabs. For example, the front side Wall 21has connected thereto left and right corner lock tabs 23 and 24 and therear side wall 22 has in turn connected thereto left and right cornerlock tabs 25 and 26.

Each of such corner lock tabs 2326, inclusive, has connected integrallythereto at its outer corner a lock tip, the lock tips for the tabs 2326,inclusive, respectively being indicated at 27-30, inclusive.

To the left and right side edges of the box base 26a there are in turnconnected left and right side flaps 31 and 32. Each of such side flaps31 and 32 has formed therein in opposite margins a pair of substantiallyparallel corner lock slits, such as 33 and 34 of the side flap 31, and35 and 36 of the side flap 32.

The corner lock slits 33-36, inclusive, as aforementioned aresubstantially perpendicular to their respective base Sid-e edges, thatis, to the edges Where their respective Side .flaps are connected to thebox base 20a.

Theaforementioned lock slits 33 and 34 of the side flap 31 divide suchside flap into parts which are designated as follows:

A pair of end lock strips 37 and 38 along the front and rear marginsrespectively of the side flap; and a side flap center panel 39interposed between such end lock strips. In turn the lock slits 35 and36, formed along the front and rear margins respectively of the sideflap 32, divide the latter intoz, end lock strips 40 and 41, there beinginterposed therebetween a side flap center panel 42.

A box cover 43 is connected along the rear (or top) edge of the rearside wall 22 and in turn is provided with a cover lock flap 44.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 5, the operation of one form of apparatusembodying the invention will now be briefly described and thereafter theconstruction thereof in greater detail will be set forth.

Primary box blank supporting means 45 and 46 (Fig. 5) are Provided forsupporting a flattened box blank in an initial position, such primarysupporting means com- 4 prising a pair of ledges for supporting oppositeouter extremities of a flattened blank, for example, the cover lock flap44 and the margin of the front side wall 21.

The supporting means 45 in transverse cross-section, as viewed in Fig.5, is preferably in the form of a flat ledge having a vertical flange orside edge -47 for the purpose of aiding in the alignment of the boxblank.

The other supporting means 46 is also in the form of a ledge but ofomewhat smaller area than the horizontal area of the means 45, and asaforementioned particularly adapted for supporting the margin of thefront side wall 21 and its locking tips 27, 28. A flange 48 is securedalong one side of such ledge also toaid in box blank alignment.

Suitable means (not shown) can be employed for gently urging a blankagainst either one of such flanges to attain a desired alignment withthe rotatable box forming drums to be described below.

To the primary supporting means 45 and 46 are de livered in successionfrom suitable feeding means (to be described more fully hereinafter inconnection with Figs. 4 and 6) a series of box blanks in a flattenedcondition, the blanks being placed in a station from which they can beengaged and set up or erected as will appear below.

The box set-up means further includes a first pair of spaced apartcoaxial box forming drums 49 and 50 (Fig. 1) which are fixed to a shaft51 for rotation therewith, said shaft 51 being suitably journaled forrotation and driven by suitable means.

A' second pair of spaced apart coaxial box forming drums 52 and 53 areprovided which in turn are mounted upon a shaft 54 which is journaledfor rotation in a manner analogous to that of shaft 51, both of saidshafts being operatively connected for movement together in fixed phaserelation whereby the drums mounted thereupon are also compelled to movein fixed phase relation in a manner to appear more fully hereinafter.

The pairs of drums 49, 5t) and S2, 53 thus are mounted for rotation onaxes which are parallel to one another. The pairs of drums being spacedapart are thus adapted for rotational movement on opposite sides of abox forming or box blank set-up region and, as viewed in Fig. 5, saidpairs of drums are positioned below and between the primary supportingmeans 45, 46 aforementioned.

Said primary box blank supporting means supports each box blank in aflattened condition preparatory to its being engaged by the devices forsetting up the box, said primary supporting means thus supporting thebox blank in the position as shown in Figs. 10a and 11a.

. Each pair of drums, such as 49 and 50, is provided with hook-likemeans for engaging the margin along the outer edge of its respectiveside flap, in response to rotation of the drums, thereby to urge the twoside flaps toward one another and against selected surfaces of thedrums. Such hook-like means for engaging such margin of the side flap32, as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a pair of elements referred to as dogsor slotted members 55 and 56, respectively mounted on the drums 49 and50, such hook-like means being shown in greater detail in Fig. 3, and ina somewhat modified form being shown in perspective at 57 and 58 in Fig.2. Dog 57 is shown in side elevation in Fig. 4. The dog or slottedmember 57 as aforementioned comprises a hook-like means and is providedwith a slot 57a, the attitude of which relative to the rotating drum isof importance. Such slot, as is well shown in Fig. 4, is, when the dogis at the peak of its movement, as in Fig. 4, directed downwardly, theaxis thereof being approximately 45 to the vertical although theinvention is not limited to a particular disposition of such slot. It isto be understood, however, that the slot of the slotted member, or theinterior surfaces of the hook-like means, are so disposed that they arecapable of grasping the opposite outer marginal areas of theirrespective side flaps substantially concurrently and pressing samedownwardly and inwardly, as viewed in 'Fig. 4, for the purpose oferecting the side flaps relative to the box base and also for thepurpose of urging the selected areas of the side flaps against the sideflap forming surfaces of the respective drums, thereby to produce thebellying or curving of selected areas of the side flaps in oppositedirections in the manner described above.

it is, of course, understood that the dog 57 of Fig. 4 coacts with itscorresponding dog '58 (Fig. '2) which comprises the other of this pairof dogs.

Mounted 180 from the dogs 55 and 56 of Fig. l is another pair ofanalogous dogs- (not shown). In Fig. 4 a dog 59 is shown which is one ofa pair of dogs opposite to pair 57, 58.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 3a, as the drums 49, Eli and 52, 53 rotate at aconstant angular velocity, the box blank 20 is engaged by the dogs 55,56 of the d rp m pair 49, 50 and also by a corresponding pair of dogs 6%and 61 respectively mounted upon the drums 52, 53.

Referring now to Fig. 315, it will be seen that as the box blank 26starts downwardly under the influence of the rotational motion of thepairs of dogs 55, 56 and 6t), 61 toward one another a peripheralprotrusion .or annular lip on each drum, typified by the lip 62 (Fig. l)on the drum 49, engages the exterior surface of its respective end lockstrip, such as 41, and sets up stresses therein causing same to bow orbelly inwardly of the box, and at the same time the under surfaces ofthe dogs, as typified by the dog 55, press downwardly upon the marginalarea of their respective center panels such as 42 and tend to urge sameoutwardly of the box blank and hence to cause each center panel to bellyor curve outwardly thereby to spread apart and open the corner lockslits, as typifie by the lock slit 36' (Fig. 1), it being understood, ofcourse, that all of the lock slits 33, 34 and 35, 36' are thus opened.

The opening of the corner lock slits 33-36, inclusive, occursprogressively commencing almost immedi-' ately after the outer edges ofthe side flaps have been forced inwardly and downwardly, as viewed inFig. 1, by the aforementioned dogs or slotted members 55, 56 and 60, 61.Further referring to Figs. 1 and 3b, as the drums continue to shiftangularly toward one another, the box blank is urged downwardly uponfixed or stationary front and rear side wall guide means (fixed boxforming elements) 62a and 63. Each of such elements is substantially theform of an inverted L with an arcuate interconnection between the armsthereof, such forming elements being located with the upper surfacesthereof positioned for engaging the under surfaces of the aforementionedfront and rear side wallsof the box blank in the manner shown in Fig. 1.The box blank so engaging the forming elements 62 and 63 causes thefront and rear side walls 21 and 22 respectively to shift inwardly abouttheir respective side edges, where connected to the box base 20a, andthus to initiate the angular motion of the corner tabs 23, 24 and 25, 26toward their respective open corner lock slits. This is well illustratedin the aforementioned Fig. 3b.

Referring now to Fig. 30, it will be seen that as the drums 49, t) and52, 53 rotate further, the four corner tabs 23-26, inclusive, of theboxblank are urged into their respective corner lock slits, now open.That is, the corner tabs 23, 24, 25 and 26 are urged respectively intocorner lock slits 33, 35, 34 and 36.

As aforementioned, an intermediate condition between Figs. 3b and 3c isillustrated in Fig. 1.

Referring again both to Fig. 1 and to Fig. 30, it will be seen that thenow partially formed box blank must be disengaged from the four dogs orslotted members 55, 56 and 60, 61 in order that it may be moved out ofthe way before such two pairs of dogs begin to move away from oneanother, otherwise the dogs would tear open the formed or erected boxblank. For this purpose a pair of identical and movable'mansareemployed, each interposed and mounted for movement between itsrespective pair of drums 49, 5b and 52, 53, such box disengagingelements being herein referred to as stripper elements. Those providedfor engaging the side flaps Sit and 32 are respectively indicated at 64and 65 (Figs. 1 and 2). These elements are respectively mounted uponsprocket chains 66 and 67 which in turn pass over suitable sprocketwheels 68, '69 (Fig. 2) mounted for rotation about the axes of theshafts 54 and 51 respectively. The endless belt means or sprocket chains66 and 67 are operatively interconnected with suitable drive means, suchas the drive means for rotating the shafts 54 and 51 whereby thestripper fingers 64, 65 and belts move at twice the peripheral speed ofthe dogs 55, 56 and 6t 61, that is, such operative interconnection is soconstructed and arranged that the linear speed of the stripper elements64 and 65 is twice the linear speed of their respective pairs of dogs.

Thus further referring to Figs. 1 and 3c, the sprocket chain drivenstripper elements or fingers 64 and 65, having twice the peripheralspeed of their respective drums, begin to disengage the box blank fromthe dogs, as shown in such Fig. 3c, and to urge the box blanks downwardto twice the velocity theretofore attained, thereby fully to disengagethe box blanks from their respective dogs at the proper time.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 3d, it will be seen that the corner tabs,as typified by the corner tab 26, has made a substantially completeentry into its respective corner lock slit 36 while the stripperelement, such as 65, pushes the now fully formed box down through thefinal corner locking stage and onto an out conveyor (not shown).

While the box is substantially fully formed, as shown in Fig. 3d, it isdesirable for further pressure to be exerted upon the opposite front andrear side walls by suitable downwardly extending arms, as shown at 70,'71 and 72, 73 of Figs. 2, 4 and 5. Said arms 70, 71 and '72, 73 are ofresilient material, such as spring steel, and are positioned in such amanner that the dimension therebetween at the lower extremity, as shownin Fig. 5, prior to the passage of a box therebetween is somewhat lessthan the dimension between the side walls of the fully erected boxwhereby, responsive to the movement of a box therebetween, there will beurged together the front and rear side walls thereby to cause fullpenetration of the corner tabs into the open lock slits. This willinsure that the lock tips 27-36, inclusive, fully enter their respectivelock slits thereby also to insure that each lock tip engages an edge ofits corner lock slit thereby further to insure that the box is locked inan erected condition.

Reverting to the dogs shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, it was mentioned abovethat in Fig. 4 only one of such opposite dogs, namely, 59, could be seenin Fig. 4, that is, opposite to the pair of dogs 57, 58. However, asviewed in Fig. 5, the other dog M of this pair can be seen, the dog 74being opposite to dog 58.

Referring again to Fig. 4, it will be noted that upon the shaft 54 thedrum 53 is mounted as in Fig. l, the principal distinction between themeans shown in Fig. 4 as compared to that of Fig. 1 being the type ofthe dogs. In Fig. 1 each of the dogs, such as 55, comprises a booklikemeans composed of a flat plate 55a which is substantially parallel tothe axis of the shaft 51 and the upper extremity of which is secured asby screws to a protruding post or lug 551: preferably mounted in a slot4% formed in the drum 49. The plate 55a is bent downwardly, as viewed inFig. 1, to form the hook-like means adapted for serving the purposesdescribed above, the space between the underside of plate 55a and thesurface of the drum as being of slot-like form. 7

However, the structure of Fig. 4, by virtue of the modified type ofdogs, for example, a top pair 75, 76 and a bottom pair 77, 78 removedtherefrom on drums 52, 53), distinguishes over the structure of Fig. 1.The other drums 49, 50, as aforementioned, mount similar pairs of dogs57, 58 and 59, 74.

In Fig. 4 the two dogs of the upper pair 75, 76 of drums 52, 53 areindicated although only one thereof, namely 76, can be seen. Similarlypair 77, 78 has been indicated although only dog 78 is actuallyrepresented in this figure.

The stripper elements 64 and 65 respectively secured to the endlesssprocket chains 66, 67 are also shown in their proper relative positionsin Fig. 4. The stripper elements 64 and 65 comprise those elements whichrespectively coact with the pairs of dogs 75, 76 and 57, 58 in the stageof operation which is commencing in Fig. 4.

A second stripper element 79 also is secured to the endless sprocketchain 67 at a location opposite to the stripper element 65. Analogouslya second stripper element 80 is secured to the endless sprocket chain 66also opposite to the stripper element 64, said second stripper elements79 and 80 respectively positioned for coacting in a timely manner withthe pairs of dogs which in Fig. 4 are at the lowermost point in theirmovement.

Box blank feeder means 81 (Figs. 4 to 8, inclusive) will now bedescribed for consecutively delivering the box blanks onto thesupporting means 45, 46. Such box blank feeder means includes a curvedrack 82 comprising a pair of curved arms 82a, 82b which are separated bya distance adequate to permit the protrusion therebetween of thelowermost side flap 31 of the box blank or a plurality of such boxblanks stacked in the manner shown in Fig. 4. Such a plurality of boxblanks 20 in a stacked condition on the rack 82 is shown at 83 in' Fig.4, the plurality of protruding lower side flaps being indicatedcollectively at 84.

The stack of box blanks 83 at the lowerextremity thereof, as viewed inFig. 4, is so disposed that the lowermost box blank is at approximately50 to the vertical, such lower box blank resting upon an angularlyreciprocating rubber tired feeder roll 85 which is shown in detail'inFig. 8 and which is composed of a plurality of separate rubber tiredwheels 86 (Fig. 8), nine in number in the form shown.

The rubber tired wheels 86 are all mounted for angular movement togetherwith a shaft 87 which is journaled for rotation upon a frame 88 ,(Fig.4) of the feeder 81.

The shaft 87 and the wheels 86 secured thereto are angularlyreciprocative, that is, they are periodically angularly shifted by anysuitable means operated in proper timed relationship with the remainderof the apparatus. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, such angularreciprocation of the feeder roll 85 is accomplished by means of arotatable crank 89 mounted for rotation with a shaft 90 whichis-drivably connected to a suitable source of torque (not shown), suchas an electric motor, the crank 89 preferably having connected thereto acounterweight 91. Such crank 89 is operatively connected to the shaft 87by means of a connecting rod 92 which, at the lower extremity thereof(Fig. 4), is in suitable pivotal connection with said crank and at theupper extremity is in a suitable pivotal connection with an arm 93 whichin turn is connected as by a one way clutch to said shaft 87. Said crank89, arm 93 and the connecting rod 92 are so constructed and arranged ina well known manner that continuous rotation of the shaft 90 producesangular reciprocation through a preselected angular range of the arm 93and hence the shaft 87 and the rubber tired feeder roll 85.

The frame 88 of the box blank feeder means 81 is secured to a frame 94of the box blank set-up device per se, preferably in such a manner thateach box blank is fed downwardly from above and into an initial boxblank supporting station, namely, wherein the box blank rests upon theprimary supporting means 45, 46. The frame 88 of the feeder 81preferably is mounted for angular adjustment within selected limits inorder to insure a proper feeding of the box blanks onto said primarysupporting means. Accordingly, the frame 88 is pivotally mounted at 95upon said frame 94 and the angular attitude of frame 88 can be adjustedby means of a turnbuckle device 96, the upper extremity of which ispivoted to the frame 88 at 97 and the lower extremity of which ispivoted to the frame 94 at 98.

Suitable means are provided for grasping and feeding out of the feeder81 successively the lowermost box blank in response to angularreciprocation of the feeder roll 85. Such means comprises a metalcovered roll 99 which coacts with a box blank gate finger 100. Thelatter finger is conformed in such a way that the lowermost edges of theside flaps 31 of the stack rest thereupon with the exception of thelowermost box blank of the stack 83, the gate finger 100 being slightlyspaced from the periphery of the roll 99 to permit passage of suchlowermost box blank 20 in response to angular shifting of the rubbertired feeder roll 85. Thus the lowermost box blank can be urged into abite of a pair of pinch roll devices 101, 102, the latter preferablyhaving a rubber covering upon the periphery and mounted for pressingagainst the lowermost of the rolls 101 which preferably are providedwith a metal covering. The two roll devices 99 and 101 rotate uponspaced parallel axes, the latter 101 being sufliciently close to theformer roll 99 to receive an oncoming box blank in such bite of rolls101, 102 in response to such angular reciprocation of the feeder roll85.

The three roll devices 99, 101 and 102 are operatively interconnectedfor rotating together at a fixed phase relationship with one another andwith the other rotating parts of the apparatus by virtue ofinterconnection with a common source of torque therefor.

The gate finger 100 is, of course, mounted for axial adjustment relativeto the periphery of the roll 99. A shaft 103 which supports the rolldevice 102 is journaled for rotation in a suitable manner in a pair ofoppositely disposed bearing blocks 104, one of which is shown in Fig. 4.The bearing blocks 104 each are mounted for motion toward and away fromthe roll device 101 while holding the shaft 103 parallel to the latterdevice. To accomplish this such blocks 104 are guided in their motiontoward and away from the roll device 101 by means of tracks 105 and 106.The degree of pressure of the roll device 102 upon the roll device 101can be adjusted by means of a pair of set screws 107, one at each shaftend, each of which threadedly engages a stationary yoke 108, the lowerextremity of each screw 107 engaging the uppper extremity of itsrespective block 104 in the manner shown in Fig. 4.

Suitable resilient means, such as coil springs 109, may be employed forurging the blocks 104 toward said screw 107.

For the purpose of cleaning the periphery of the roll 99 a doctor blade110 is mounted adjacent thereto with the edge scraping thereagainst, asshown in Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 5, a view from the front of the machine of the shaft90 and the crank 89 and its counterweight 91 is shown illustrating therelationship of the shaft 90 to certain other portions of the machine,particular reference being bad to the operative interconnection betweenthe shaft 90 and the shafts thereabove which support the rotating drums,the sprocket chain and sprocket wheel interconnections being constructedand arranged for effecting the aforementioned relatively greaterperipheral speed of the stripper elements.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 10a, means will now be bri fly describedcomprising a part of the box blank feeder 81 which are designed for thepurpose of bending the lock tips 27-80 for the purpose of insuring thateach of them engages an edge of its respective corner lock slit inresponse to the erecting of a box blank. One means for accomplishingthis purpose is shown in front elevation in Fig. 6 and comprisescoacting corner tip bending aseaosa rolls 111, 112 for acting upon thecorner tips 27, 28 in succession, and corner tip bending rolls 113, 114for acting upon the tips 29 and 30 in that order. The rolls 111 and 112are respectively mounted upon the shafts 103 and 115, the lattercomprising the shaft for the roll device 101. It is, of course,understood that the roll device 101, if desired, can comprise aplurality of separate coaxial subrolls or wheels which coact with -aplurality of rubber tired rolls mounted upon the shaft 103. Thisconstruction is shown in front elevation in Fig. 6 wherein the rolldevice 1&2 comprises a plurality .of coaxial rubber tired wheels whichact respectively upon a like plurality of corresponding metal subrollsor wheels. In the form shown in Fig. 6, there are three such rubbertired wheels 102a, 1412b and H120 and three corresponding metal subrolls191a, 1011) and 101C.

The tip bending rolls 111, 112 and 113, 114 are, of course, located in aprecise manner in the path of their respective tips whereby the latterare bent upwardly, as viewed in Figs. 6 and a. This is accomplished bymeans of coacting flanges 111a and 112a, the adjacent side surfaces ofwhich are slightly spaced from one another but closely adjacent. Thesame bending action is achieved by means of the flanges 113a and 114a ofthe rolls 113 and 114.

it will be noted that the roll 113a is pivotally mounted for resilientangular shifting motion in a manner well shown in Fig. 7 for the purposeof riding over the base marginof the cover 43 of the box blank 20. Asshown in Fig. 7, the roll 113 i mounted upon a crank 115 which ispivoted at 116 and yieldingly held against a limit-stop 117 by means ofa spring 118. The spring 11? is of such a strength that it is capable ofurging the roll 113 toward the roll 114 with suflicient force to cause abending of the tips 29 and 30 but will yieldingly shift in response tothe interposing of the base margin or edge of the cover 43, the rolls113, 114 thus being unable to bend said cover.

Referring now to Fig. 9, certain-details of a pair of drums will now bedescribed, the latter comprising drums 52 and 53 as viewed from thefront of the machine facing toward the delivery orifice of the box blankfeeder. The drums 52 and 53 are mounted for rotation upon the shaft 54as aforementioned and are spaced apart for accommodating the endlesssprocket chain 66 which passes over the upper sprocket wheel 68, thelatter being mounted for rotation about the shaft 54 but not mounted forrotation therewith thereby to permit such sprocket wheel to be moved ata greater angular speed than the drums 52 and 53 and in turn thereby topermit the aforementioned stripper elements or fingers 64 and 80 to moveat the desired greater peripheral velocity as compared to that of thedrums 52, 53.

Each of the drums 52 and 53 has formed thereon pairs of surfaces ofrevolution, one on each drum and symmetrically arranged with respect toa central plane 119 between the drums normal to the shaft 54, such pairsof surfaces being described as follows:

(a) A first and innermost pair 120, 121 tapered inwardly toward saidcentral plane;

(b) A second and next pair of surfaces 122, 123 comprisingfrusto-co-nical surfaces which also taper inwardly toward said normalplane but which are of substantially greater slope;

(c) A third and next pair of surfaces 124 and 125 which comprise rightcylindrical surfaces having a common diameter greater than the maximumdiameter of the previously described surfaces of revolution, saidsurfaces 124 and 125 comprising protruding lip or bead-like portionswhich engage the outer surfaces of the end lock strip for bellying sameinwardly;

(d) A third and next pair of surfaces also comprising frusto-conicalsurfaces tapering outwardly of said central plane and designated 126 and127, the maximum diameter thereof being equal to that of the pre- 10-vious'ly described :pair '124, 125 and the minimum diameter preferablybeing equal to that of the next pair of surfaces; and

(e) A fifth and next and outermost pair of surfaces 128 and 129 alsocomprising right cylindrical surfaces substantially equal in diameter tothe least diameter of said fourth pair of surfaces.

The function of the first pair of surfaces and 121 is to coact'with thenext adjacent tapered pair of surfaces 122, 123 to facilitate theoutward bellying of a center panel, such as 31, the tapering surfaces122 and 123 comprising a guide which in cross-section is funnellike andthus is wider at its mouth (the outermost diameter) than it is at itsinnermost extremity (minimum diameter) for the purpose of guiding theouter edges ofsuch center panel into a perfectly aligned position withrespect to the drums 52 and 53. The dimension between the outermostcorners 122a and 123a of the tapered surfaces 122 and 123 i slightlygreater than the vertical dimension between the pertinent side flapcorner slits, for example 33 and 34, thereby to facilitate the bellyingof the center panel 39 outwardly ofthe box and downwardly toward thejunctures of the tapered surfaces 122, 123 with the surfaces 120, 121,the dimension between such junctures being substantially equal to suchvertical dimension between said slits upon a given said panel;

The function of the tapered surfaces 126 and 127 is to guide the cornertabs 23 and 25 toward the open corner lock slits 33 and 34 respectivelyin response to the angular shifting of the side walls in the mannerabove described.

Thus the bead-like surfaces 124 and 125, which protrude from the drumsto the largest degree, are capable of causing the aforementioned inwardbellying of the end lock strips 37, 33 and cooperating with the surfaces120, 121 which facilitate outward bellying of the center panel 37thereby opening such slits and preparing the way for the tapered guidesurfaces 126, 127 to perform their function of guiding such corner tabsinto such slits.

It is, of course, understood that the invention is not limited to theuse of the taper d surfaces 122 and 123.

The above description of the structure shown in Fig. 9 pertains to theformation and action of the drums 52, 53, it being understood, ofcourse, that the other pair of drum 49 and 51) are similarly formed andpossess corresponding pairs of surfaces for acting upon the oppositeside flap 32. in an analogous manner.

As aforementioned, the two pairs of drums rotate in opposite angulardirections in fixed phase relation whereby two pairs of such hook-likemeans or dogs approach the peak of their angular movement (as viewed inthe drawings) at substantially the same time, the opening or months ofthe hooks or dogs of one pair facing the opening or mouths of theopposite pair just prior to their engaging the box blank. The slots ofthe hook-like means upon each pair of coaxial drums are, of course,aligned for jointly engaging a common plane surface whereby such pair ofhooks on one pair of coaxial drums coacts with and, during movementthrough its upper two quadrants of angular movement, moves towards theother pair of hook-like means upon the other pair of drums, therebyduring a portion of such movement together, and in particular duringmovement through the adjacent two quadrants of angular motion, engageopposite outer margins of the opposite side flaps of the box blankthereby to align same for box erection by engagement of the outer edgesthereof with the aligned inner ends of such. siots and to commence theerection of the box from its flattened condition. The movement of saidtwo pairs of hook-like means or dogs towards one another after soengaging said opposite outer margins and in response to rotation of saiddrums in such opposite directions, causes the hook-like means or dogs toengage the outer margins of said opposite 11 side flaps preferably, butnot necessarily, at areas respectively located inwardly of the twocorner lock slits formed in each such side flap. Each box blank isaligned relative to the drums by means aforementioned in such a way thatsuch slits are positioned above the respective inner edges of theirrespective protruding surfaces (e. g., the third pair of surfaces 124,125 above described). Thus a pair of dogs or hook-like means engaging agiven side flap, and in response to drum rotation, is adapted fordishing Or pressing outwardly of the box blank its respective side flapcenter panel, the two adjacent end lock strips on opposite ends of suchside flap conforming to protruding surfaces, such as 124, 125, andbowing inwardly of the box thereby to spread open such corner slits forthe reception of their respective corner tabs. It is, of course,possible to alter the conformation of the pertinent surfaces of thedrums to reverse such directions of bowing or bellying, if desired, itbeing understood that the corner tab guiding surfaces should also besuitably altered to guide the same into the corner lock slits.

The above-described side wall guide or forming means 70, 71 and 72, 73,positioned as shown in Fig. 2 coact with the tapered surfaces 126, 127(and their counterparts on the other two drums) in the following manner:The box blank under the influence of the two pairs of dogs which movetoward one another during their upper inner quadrants of motion urge thebox blank downwardly, first at least partially erecting such oppositeside flaps and then pressing the opposite side walls against the uppersurfaces of the fixed side wall guide means causing the side walls toshift angularly, in the manner also mentioned above, about their inneredges along their connections with the common box base thereby in turnto cause each of the several corner tabs 2326 to pivot or shiftangularly about its respective edge along which it is connected to itsrespective side wall and concurrently to move toward its respective opencorner lock slit, all the while the front and rear side walls in turnangularly shift about their respective inner edges along oppositemargins of the box base. The curved surfaces of such respective cornertabs follow the tapered guide surfaces, such as 126, 127, upon the drums52, 53 (and corresponding surfaces upon the other pair of drums) duringthe aforementioned motion and thence into their respective open cornerlock slits.

See Figs a-10e together with Figs. Ila-11d for a representation of theaforementioned sequence of events. Referring to Figs. 10b and 1112, itwill be noted that at this stage in the erection of'the box there is aseparation of an edge, for example 23a, of corner tab 23 from anadjacent edge 37a of the end lock strip 37, such separation typifyinganalogous separations of the other corner tabs and their adjacent endlock strips.

It should be noted that the erection of a box blank in accordance withthe present invention is accomplished while the blank is unobscured bybox erecting devices, the inner portions of the box thus remaining openand accessible, for example, for cleansing air blasts or, if desired, achemical spray to treat the inner surfaces of the box as may be desired.

The novel method embodying the invention comprises the following steps:

(a) Grasping a flattened or substantially flattened box blank of thecorner lock type along adjacent opposite margins of opposite side flapsthereof while pushing the edges of said opposite side flaps toward oneanother thereby to cause the side flaps to pivot about their respectiveinner edges along which they are connected to opposite edges of a commonbox base;

(b) Concurrent with such engagement of the opposite side flaps pressureis exerted upon opposite end lock strips of each such side flap to causesame to curve or belly and force is exerted upon a center panel betweeneach end lock strip to cause the latter to belly in an oppositedirection thereby spreading open the corner lock slits which are formedbetween such end lock strips and its respective center panels;

(0) Concurrent with the aforementioned steps, which cause the box blankto move, the box blank is pressed upon a pair of stationary side wallguide surfaces causing the front and rear side walls to shift angularlyalong their respective inner edges by which they are also connected tosaid common box base:

(d) The corner tabs affixed to opposite ends of each of the side wallsare guided into their respective spread corner lock slits as a result ofthe angular motion of the front and rear side walls; and

(e) Adequate force is exerted upon said front and rear walls to causesame to be fully erected relative to the box base thereby to cause thecorner tabs fully to penetrate into their respective lock slits.

What is claimed is:

1. The method for setting up a flattened box blank having two oppositeside flaps and two opposite side walls each connected along itsrespective inner edge to a box base, each side flap having a pair ofcorner lock slits one formed along each of the side margins thereof,such side walls having corner tabs connected to their respective sideedges, which method includes the following steps: exerting force uponopposite end areas of such side flaps to urge same together whileconcurrently causing the side marginal areas of each side flap to bellyand the side flap area intermediate same to belly oppositely, thereby toopen the corner lock slits thereof while causing the side flaps to pivotangularly about the box base toward an erected condition relativethereto, and concurrently angularly shifting said side walls about theirrespective box base edges and guiding such corner tabs toward theirrespective open corner lock slits, the side walls thus being urgedtoward an erected condition relative to the box base thereby to causefull penetration of the corner tabs into the slits.

2. The method for setting up a flattened box blank having two oppositeside flaps and two opposite side walls each connected along an inneredge thereof to a 'box base, said side flaps having corner lock slitsformed along the side margins thereof and said side walls having cornertabs connected to their respective side edges, which method includes thefollowing steps: exerting forces upon opposite end areas of said sideflaps such forces being exerted in opposite directions angularly aboutspaced axes to urge such areas together while concurrently exertingforces upon each of the side marginal areas of each side flap indirections to cause same to belly and the area intermediate same tobelly oppositely thereby to open the corner lock slits thereof whilecausing the side flaps to pivot angularly about the box base toward anerected condition relative thereto, and concurrently angularly shiftingsaid side walls about their respective box base edges and guiding suchcorner tabs toward their respective corner lock slits.

3. In apparatus for setting up initially flattened box blanks, thecombination comprising: means for engaging opposite marginal areas ofside flaps of said flattened box blank, means for mounting said engagingmeans for rotation about parallel spaced axes and for angular movementin fixed phase relationship, means for acting upon said opposite sideflaps during engagement thereof by said engaging means thereby to opencorner lock slits formed along the end margins of said side flaps forthe reception of corner tabs which in turn are connected to side edgesof opposite side walls of the box blank side wall erecting elementspositioned in the path of movement of said side walls, and guide meansfor guiding said corner tabs into their respective open corner lockslits responsive to relative movement of said side walls and side wallerecting elements.

4. 1n apparatus for setting up initially flattened box blanks, thecombination comprising: means for enl3 gaging opposite marginal areas ofside flaps of said flattened box blank, means for mounting said engagingmeans for rotation about parallel spaced axes and for angular movementin fixed phase relationship, and means for acting upon said oppositeside flaps during engage ment thereof by said engaging means thereby toopen corner lock slits formed along the end margins of said side flapsfor the reception of corner tabs which in turn are connected to sideedges of opposite side walls of the box blank, and means for guidingsaid corner tabs into their respective open corner lock slits.

5. In apparatus for erecting a box blank having two opposite side flapsand two opposite side walls, each connected to a box base along an inneredge thereof, the combination comprising: side flap erecting meanscomprising a pair of oppositely. disposed side flap engaging means,means for mounting said side flap engaging means for rotation aboutspaced parallel axes and in fixed phase relation whereby correspondingmarginal areas of said side flaps are engaged by said rotatably mountedside flap engaging means, the latter being adapted for rotation inopposite angular directions whereby such side flaps are movable towardone another thereby to erect same relative to the box base, means forexerting pressures in opposite directions upon selected areas of suchside flaps for opening corner lock slits formed along the side marginsthereof thereby to prepare same for the introduction of corner tabsconnected to the side edges of such side walls, side wall erectingelements positioned in the path of movement of said side walls forengaging same responsive to angular movement toward one another of saidside flap engaging means thereby angularly to shift such side walls andto erect same relative to the box base, and guide means for guidingrespective of the corner tabs into their respective open corner lockslits.

6. In apparatus for, erecting a box blank having two opposite side flapsand two opposite side walls all connected to a box base along an inneredge thereof, the combination comprising: side flap erecting meanscomprising a pair of oppositely disposed side flap engaging means, meansfor mounting said side flap engaging means side flaps are engaged bysaid rotatably mounted side flap engaging means, the latter beingadapted for rotaflaps are movable toward one another thereby to erectsame relative to the box case, means for exerting pressures in oppositedirections upon selected areas of said side flaps for opening cornerlock slits formed along the side margins thereof thereby to prepare samefor the introduction of corner tabs connected to the side edges of saidside walls, side wall erecting elements positioned in the path ofmovement of said side walls for engaging same responsive to angularmovement toward one another of said side flap engaging means therebyangularly to shift said side walls and to erect same relative to the boxbase, and guide means mounted for rotation with said side flap engagingmeans for guiding respective of said corner tabs into their respectiveopen corner lock slits in response to such shifting of the side walls.

7. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of hooklike means, meansfor mounting the latter means for rotation about spaced parallel axesand in fixed phase relation whereby said pair of hook-like means cansimultaneously engage opposite marginal areas of two opposite side flapsof a box blank at selected corresponding positions in their path ofrotation, said rotatable hooklike means being mounted for rotation inopposite directions thereby being enabled angularly to shift towards oneanother during selected parts of their rotational movement therebyangularly to shift said side flaps about their respective base edgesalong which they are connected to a box base, said side flaps thusprogressively 14 being erected relative to such base, side flap formingmeans mounted for rotation with said hook-like means for coacting withthe latter means during such erection of the side flaps for engagingselected portions of the latter thereby to cause a beliying of sameresponsive to such angular shifting of the hook-like means and side flapforming means, the latter means also being shaped for cooperatingconcurrently also during the erection of said side flaps to press otherselected areas of the side flaps to cause same to belly to spread opencorner lock slits of the box blank, the opening of each such slitadapting same for the reception of its respective corner tab which isconnected to its respective side edge of a I fixed side wall formingmeans positioned along opposite margins of the path of the box blank forengaging the opposite side walls thereof responsive to theaforementioned box blank movement, the side walls in response to suchmovement being pressed against said side wall forming elements under theinfluence of said angularly shifting hook-like means, the side wallsalso thus being caused to pivot about their respective base edges andthus also are progressively erected relative to the box base, saidrotatable guide means including portions which are shaped for guidingsuch corner tabs into the aforementioned open corner lock slitsresponsive to the aforementioned movement of the box blank thereby toerect the latter, and means for disengaging the box blank from saidhook-like means at a'preselected stage in the angular motion of thelatter means.

8. ln apparatus of the class described, two sets of rotatably mountedhookelike means located on opposite sides of a box erecting region andpositioned for engaging opposite marginal areas of two opposite sideflaps of a box blank and urging such areas and such side flaps towardone another responsive to such hook-like means shifting angularlytowards one another about parallel spaced axes, such side flaps thusbeing caused to pivot about their respective base edges along which theyare connected to a box base and thus are progressively erected relativeto such base, rotatable guide means mounted for rotating with andcoacting with said hook-like means during such erecting of the sideflaps for engaging exteriorly thereof end lock strips located along thefront and rear margins of each of such side flaps and curving sameinwardly of the box blank responsive to such angular shifting of thehook-like means toward one another, said hook-like means and guide meansbeing shaped for cooperating concurrently also during such erecting ofthe side flaps to press outwardly of the box blank each side flap centerpanel located intermediate each pair of such end lock strips therebycausing both center panels to curve outwardly of the box blank therebyto spread open corner lock slits of the blank, which slits separate suchend lock strips from their respective center panels, the opening of eachsuch slit adapting same for the reception of its respective corner tabwhich is connected to its respective side edge of a side Wall of the boxblank, the side walls in turn also being connected each along an inneredge thereof to the box base, said rotatable hook-like means and guidemeans thus being adapted for moving the box blank relative to a planethrough the aforementioned spaced parallel axes while so erecting thebox blank, relatively fixed side wall guide means positioned alongopposite margins of the path of the box blank for engaging the oppositeside walls thereof responsive to the aforementioned movement of the boxblank, such side walls being pressed against said fixed side wall guidemeans under the influence of the angularly shifting hook-like means,such side walls also responsive to preselected angular advance of thelatter means and for moving the now substantially fully erected boxblank further relative to said fixed side wall guide means, the latterbeing positioned for further urging the side walls toward one another toensure full penetration of the corner tabs into the corner lock slits.

9. In apparatus of the class described, two sets of rotatably mountedhook-like means located on opposite sides of a box erecting region andpositioned for engaging opposite marginal areas of two opposite sideflaps of a box blank and urging such areas and such side flaps towardone another responsive to such hook-like means shifting angularlytowards one another about parallel spaced axes, means for mounting suchhook-like means for angular motion about such axes, such side flaps thusbeing caused o to pivot about their respective base edges along whichthey are connected to a box base and thus are progressively erectedrelative to such base, and rotatable guide means mounted for rotatingwith and coacting with said hook-like means during such erecting of theside flaps for engaging exteriorly thereof end lock strips located alongthe front and rear margins of each of such side flaps and curving sameresponsive to such angular shifting of the hook-like means toward oneanother, said hook-like means and guide means being shaped forcooperating concurrently also during such erecting of the side flaps toact on each side flap center panel located intermediate each pair ofsuch end lock strips thereby causing both center panels to curve in adirection different from its respective end lock strips, thereby tospread open corner lock slits of the blank, which slits separate suchend lock strips from their respective center panels, the openng of eachsuch slit adapting same for the reception of its respective corner tabwhich is connected to its respective side edge of a side wall of the boxblank, the side walls in turn also being connected each along an inneredge thereof to the box base.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, including means for feedingsaid blanks seriatim to a blank receiving station positioned adjacentthe path of movement of said hook-like means whereby the lattersuccessively can engage the aforementioned opposite marginal areas ofthe box blanks.

11. In apparatus for setting up box blanks of the corner lock box type,a pair of rotatable slotted means for l;

engaging in the slots thereof opposite marginal areas of side flaps ofsuch a blank and urging such areas toward one another responsive to suchslotted means shifting angularly towards one another about parallelspaced axes; guide means coacting with said slotted means for en- 0gaging end lock strips of such blank exterioriy thereof and bowing sameresponsive to such angular shifting, said slotted means being adaptedconcurrently for pressing center side flap panels of such blank adjacentsaid strips and bowing same in a direction to open corner lock slits ofsuch blank for the reception of corner tabs connected to side walls ofthe blank, said side flaps and side walls being connected to a box base,said means thus being adapted for moving said box blank while so formingsame; and box forming elements positioned adjacent opposite sides of thepath of such movable box blank for engaging the opposite side wallsthereof responsive to such movement, said guide means and box formingelements being disposed for coacting to urge such corner 16 tabs intosuch open slits responsive to such movement thereby to set up the box. 7

12. In apparatus for setting up box blanks of the corner lock box type,a pair of rotatable slotted means for engaging in the slots thereofopposite marginal areas of side flaps of such a blank and urging suchareas toward one another responsive to such slotted means shiftingangularly towards one another about parallel spaced axes; guide meanscoacting with said slotted means for engaging end lock strips of suchblank exteriorly thereof and bowing same inwardly of the box blankresponsive to such angular shifting, said slotted means being adaptedconcurre tly for pressing outwardly of the box blank center side fiappanels of such blank adjacent said strips and bellying same outwardly ofthe box blank thereby to open corner lock slits of such blank for thereception of corner tabs connected to side walls of the blank, said sideflaps and side walls being connected to a box base, said means thusbeing adapted for moving said box blank while so forming same; and boxforming elements positioned adjacent opposite sides of the path of suchmovable box blank for engaging the opposite side walls thereofresponsive to such movement, said guide means and box forming elementsbeing disposed for coacting to urge such corner tabs into such openslits responsive to such movement thereby to set up the box.

13. In apparatus for setting up box blanks of the corner lock box type,the combination comprising: a first and a second pair of slotted boxblank engaging members; means for mounting said two pairs of members forrotation upon parallel axes and in opposite angular directions; twopairs of rotatable side flap forming means mounted for rotation withrespective of said slotted members and each including an arcuateprotruding guide surface aligned for movement in a path adjacent thepath of its respective slotted member, a tapered guide surface adjacenteach such protruding guide surface positioned for guiding box blankcorner tabs, and a pair of coacting spaced side wall forming meanspositioned in a region intermediate the axes of rotation of said slottedmembers for engaging and aiding in forming the box blanks responsive torelative movement of said forming means and the box blanks as caused bysaid pairs of slotted members moving toward one another in rotationengaging a flattened blank and urging same into engagement with sideflap and side wall forming means.

14. In apparatus for setting up box blanks of the corner lock box type,the combination comprising: a first and a second pair of slotted boxblank engaging members; means for mounting said two pairs of members forrotation upon parallel axes and in opposite angular directions; a planepassing through said axes defining a first and second quadrant ofangular motion for each pair of slotted members, the two first quadrantsbeing outermost and the two second quadrants being innermost of saidaxes, means for operatively interconnecting said slotted members forrotation in a fixed phase relation whereby the two pairs thereof passthrough the beginning of their respective second quadrants concurrentlyand thus are in fixed selected phase with one another, two pairs ofrotatable side flap forming means mounted for rotation with respectiveof said slotted members and each including an arcuate protruding guidesurface aligned for movement in a patch adjacent the path of itsrespective slotted member, a tapered guide surface adjacent each suchprotruding guide surface positioned for guiding box blank corner tabs,and a pair of coacting spaced side wall forming means positioned in aregion intermediate the axes of rotation of said slotted members forengaging and aiding in forming the box blanks responsive to relativemovement of said forming means and the box blanks as caused by saidpairs of slotted members moving toward one another in rotation engaginga flattened blank and urging same into engagement with side flap andside Wall forming means.

15, In apparatus for forming a box from a flattened box blank ofselected shape, the combination comprising: a first pair of spacedcoaxial drums; a second pair of spaced coaxial drums; said pair of drumsbeing mounted for rotation on parallel axes positioned on opposite sidesof a box forming region; each of said pairs of drums having formedthereon respectively pairs of surfaces of revolution, one on each drum,as follows; a pair of protruding surfaces of revolution, each protrudingbeyond adjacent guiding surfaces of revolution positioned on either sidethereof; means for rotating said drums in fixed phase relation inopposite directions; each of such drums mounting on the peripherythereof a box blank engaging slotted member having aslot extendingsubstantially tangentially to the periphery of the drum, such slots ofsaid members upon each pair of coaxial drums being aligned for jointlyengaging a common plane surface, the mouths of said slots on the twopairs of slotted members being movable towards one another through aselected range of their angular movement, thereby during a portion ofsuch movement to engage opposite outer margins of the side flaps of abox blank which are connected to a box base and to commence the erectionof the box from its flattened blank, said two pairs of slotted membersthus engaging such opposite outer margins, and in response to drumrotation moving closer together, such slotted members being formed forpressing upon a center panel of each such side flaps at areas inward ofa pair of lock slits formed in each such panel, which pair of slitsdivides such center panel of each side flap from end lock strips formedon either end thereof, said end lock strips of each side flap beingpositioned against a respective one of said protruding surfaces, suchpressing by said slotted members thus causing a bowing in one directionof each of said center panels and a bowing in a different direction ofthe end lock strips of each such center panel, thereby opening each ofsuch slits for the reception of its respective box corner tab connectedto the end of its respective box blank side wall, each of the two sidewalls being connected in turn to the box base; a pair of spaced sidewall forming elements positioned in the path of 1 movement of the boxblank, such movement being caused by said slotted members rotatingtowards one another while engaging the blank as aforementioned, therebyto move each side wall into engagement with its respective formingelement and thereby to shift the side wall angularly relative to the boxbase in response to such movement and further thereby to urge suchcorner tabs against their respective guiding surfaces of revolution uponthe drums and thence into its respective corner lock slit; a pair of boxstripper elements, means for mounting each of such stripper elements formovement in a path located between its respective pair of said drums,means for operatively associating each such stripper element with itsrespective pair of drums for movement at a greater speed and ma selectedphase relation, for engaging the outer edges of respective of said sideflaps at locations intermediate said slotted members and progressivelymoving such side flaps out of such slots prior to said slotted membersmoving away from one another during the course of their rotation.

16. In apparatus for forming a box from a flattened box blank ofselected shape, the combination comprising: a first pair of spacedcoaxial drums; a second pair of spaced coaxial drums; said pair of drumsbeing mounted for rotation on parallel axes positioned on opposite sidesof a box forming region; each of said pairs of drums having formedthereon respectively pairs of surfaces of revolution, one on eachdrum,and symmetrically arranged with respect to a centralplane normal to saidparallel axes as follows: a pair of protruding surfaces of revolution,each protruding beyond adjacent guiding surfaces of revolutionpositioned on either side thereof; means for 18 rotating said drums infixed phase relation in opposite directions; each or" such drumsmounting on the periphery thereof inwardly of its respective protrudingsurface a box blank engaging slotted member having a slot substantiallytangent to the periphery of the drum, such slots of said members uponeach pair of coaxial drums being aligned for jointly engaging a commonplane surface, the mouths of said slots on the two pairs of slottedmembers being movable towards one another through a selected range ofangular movement, thereby during a portion of such movement to engageopposite outer margins of the side flaps of a box blank which areconnected to a box base and to commence the erection of the box from itsflattened blank, said two pairs of slotted members thus engaging suchopposite outer margins, and in response to drum rotation moving closertogether, such slotted members being formed for pressing upon a centerpanel of each such side flaps at areas inward of a pair of lock slitsformed in each such panel, which pair of slits divides such center panelof each side flap from end lock strips formed on either end thereof,said end lock strips of each side flap being positioned against arespective one of said protruding surfaces, such pressing by saidslotted members thus causing a bowing in one direction of each ofsaid'center panels and a bowing in :a different direction of the endlock strips of each such center panel, thereby opening each of suchslits for the reception of its respective box corner tab connected tothe end of its respective box blank side wall, each of the two sidewalls being connected in turn to the box base; a pair of spaced sidewall forming elements positioned in the path of movement of the boxblank, such movement being caused by said slotted members rotatingtowards one another while engaging the blank as aforementioned, therebyto move each side wall into engagement with its respective formingelement and thereby to shift the side wall angularly relative to the boxbase in response to such movement and further thereby to urge suchcorner tabs against their respective guiding surfaces of revolution uponthe drums and thence into its respective corner lock slit, a pair of boxblank stripper elements, means'for mounting each of such stripperelements for movement in a path located between its respective pair ofsaid drums, means for operatively associating each such stripper elementwith its respective pair of drums for movement at a greater speed and ina selected phase relation, for engaging the outer edges of respectivesaid sidefiaps intermediate said slotted members and progressivelymoving such side flaps out of such slots prior to said slotted membersmoving away I from one another during the course of their rotation; saidstripper elements by means of such operative association with saiddrums, and after engaging the edges of the side flaps, being adapted formoving the partially formed box further relative to said side wallforming elements thereby to move the box blank corner tabs fully intotheir respective lock slits whereby the corner tips upon such tabsengage a respective edge of a slit and to lock the corners of theerected box blank in position.

17. In apparatus for forming a box from a flattened box blank, thecombination comprising: a first pair of spaced coaxial drums; a secondpair of spaced coaxial drums; said two pairs of drums being mounted forrotation on axes parallel to one another and thus being spaced apart forrotation on opposite sides of a box forming region; each of said pairsof drums having formed thereon respectively pairs of surfaces ofrevolution, one on each drum, as follows: a first and innermost paircomprising surfaces tapering inwardly toward a central plane locatedbetween said drums, a second and next pair comprising surfaceshaving adiameter greater than the maximum diameter of said first pair ofsurfaces, a third and next pair comprising surfaces tapering outwardlyof such central plane, and a fourth and next and outermost pair; saidsecond pair of surfaces having the maximum diameter of all said pairs ofsurfaces and comprising protrud- 19 ing bead-like surfaces on the drums;means for rotating said drums in fixed phase relation in oppositedirections; two pairs of box blank engaging hooks having slots directedsubstantially tangentially of selected of such pairs of surfaces, one ofsuch hooks being mounted upon each of said drums, the slots of the hooksupon each pair of coaxial drums being aligned-for jointly engaging acomnion plane surface whereby the pair of hooks on one pair of coaxialdrums coacts with, and during 180 of movement moves towards the otherpair of hooks upon the other pair of coaxial drums, thereby during aportion of such movement to engage opposite outer margins of the sideflaps of a box blank thereby to align same by engagement with thealigned inner ends of such slots and to commence the erection of the boxfrom the flat box blank, such side flaps being connected to a box base,the movement of said two pairs of hooks towards one another after soengaging said opposite outer margins, and in response to rotation ofsaid drums in opposite directions, causing said hooks to engage suchmargins at areas respectively located inwardly of two corner lock slitsformed in each such box blank side flap, said blanks being aligned withsaid slits positioned at the inner edges of their respective bead likeprotruding surfaces aforementioned whereby the two pairs of hooksengaging the side flaps, and in response to drum rotation, dishoutwardly the respective side flap center panels, the two end lockstrips on each end of each side flap conforming to their respectivebead-like protruding surfaces and bowing inwardly of the box thereby toopen such corner lock slits for the reception of their respective boxcorner tabs each formed on the sides of the front and rear side walls ofthe box blank and each tab having a corner lock tip formed thereon; sidewall guide means; and stripper means positioned between said spaceddrums for engaging the outer edges of the box blanks to urge the partlyformed box past said side wall forming means and constructed andarranged to remove the box from the hooks, said side wall guide meansbeing relatively stationary and being formed and positioned for engagingsaid box blank side Walls responsive to relative movement therebetween,and for angularly shifting the side walls about their respective edgesconnected to the box blank base thereby concurrently to urge the cornertabs to follow said third pair of surfaces as a guide and thence toenter into said slits to permit the lock'tips to engage the respectiveedges of such slits and to lock the tabs and side walls in desiredposition relative to the side flaps.

18. In apparatus for forming a box from a flattened box blank, thecombination comprising: a first pair of spaced coaxial drums; a secondpair of spaced coaxial drums; said two pairs of drums being mounted forrotation about axes parallel to one another and thus being spaced apartfor rotation on opposite sides of a box forming region; each of saidpairs of drums having formed thereon respectively pairs of surfaces ofrevolution, one on each drum, and symmetrically arranged with respect toa central plane between each pair of drums perpendicular to the commonaxis of such pair of drums, such surfaces comprising: a first andinnermost pair comprising frusto-conical surfaces tapering inwardlytoward such central plane, a second and next pair comprising rightcylindrical surfaces having a common diameter greater than the maximumdiameter of said first pair of surfaces, a third and next paircomprising frusto-conical surfaces tapering outwardly of such centralplane, the maximum diameter thereof being equal to that of said secondpair, anda fourth and next and outermost pair comprising rightcylindrical surfaces substantially equal in diameter to the leastdiameter of said third pair; said second pair of surfaces having themaximum diameter of all said pairs of surfaces and comprising protrudingbead-like surfaces on the drums; means for rotating said drums in fixedphase relation in opposite directions; two pairs of box blank engaginghooks having slots directed substantially tangen- 26 tially of saidinnermost pair of surfaces, one of such hooks being mounted upon each ofsaid drums, the slots of the hooks upon each pair of coaxial drums beingaligned for jointly engaging a common plane surface whereby the pair ofhooks on one pair of coaxial drums coacts with, and during of movementmoves towards the other pair of hooks upon the other pair of coaxialdrums, thereby during a portion of such movement to engage oppositeouter margins of the side flaps of a box blank thereby to align same byengagement with the aligned inner ends of such slots and to com mencethe erection of the box from the fiat box blank, such side flaps beingconnected to a box bottom, the movement of said two pairs of hookstowards one another after so engaging said opposite outer margins, andin response to rotation of said drums in opposite directions, causingsaid hooks to engage such margins at areas respectively located inwardlyof two corner lock slits formed in each such box blank side flap, saidblanks being aligned with said slits positioned at the inner edges oftheir respective bead-like protruding surfaces aforementioned wherebythe two pairs of hooks engaging the side flaps, and in response to drumrotation, dish outwardly the respective side flap center panels, the twoend lock strips on each end of each side flap conforming to saidrespective beadlike protruding surfaces and bowing inwardly of the boxthereby to open such corner lock slits for the reception of theirrespective box corner t-abs each formed on the sides of the front andrear side walls of the box blank and each tab having a corner lock tip'formed thereon; side wall forming means; and stripper means positionedbetween said spaced drums for engaging the outer edges of the box blanksto urge the partly formed box past said side wall forming means andconstructed and arranged then .to remove the box from the apparatus,said side wall forming means being stationary and being formed andpositioned for engaging said box blank side walls responsive to relativemovement therebetween, as caused by said stripper means, and forangularly shifting the side walls about their respective edges connectedto the box blank bottom thereby concurrently to urge the corner tabs tofollow said third pair of surfaces as a guide and thence to enter intosaid slits to permit the lock tips to engage the respective edges ofsuch slits and to lock the tabs and side walls in desired positionrelative to the side flaps.

19. In a box forming apparatus, the combination comprising: primarysupporting means for a box blank, the latter being in substantially aflat condition and being formed with: a box base, front and rear sidewalls connected to the front and rear edges of such box base, said frontand rear walls each having connected respectively to its left and rightside edges corner lock tabs, each having a locking tip connected to itsouter corner, and left and right side flaps connected to the left andright side edges of said box base, each such side flap having a pair ofsubstantially parallel corner lock slits formed therein substantiallyperpendicular to their respective base side edge, said lock slits inturn forming a pair of end lock strips on each side flap along the frontand rear edges thereof and interposed therebetween a side flap centerpanel; a first pair of spaced apart coaxial box forming drums; a secondpair of spaced apart coaxial box forming drums; said pairs of drumsbeing mounted for rotation on axes parallel to one another, said pairsof drums being spaced apart for movement on opposite sides of a boxforming region and thereby positioned for acting on the opposite sideflaps of a box blank, each pair of drums being formed with selectedguide surfaces, and with means for engaging the outer margin of itsrespective side flap in response to rotation of the drums thereby urgingthe side flap against such selected surfaces and dishing outwardly thecenter panel of the side flaps and concurrently bowing inwardly the endlock strips thereof thereby to open the lock slits while angularlyshifting said side flaps about their respective side ,edges toward aposition 21 perpendicular to the box base, said drums with their boxblank outer margin engaging means being thus adapted for moving theblank while so forming same, stationary frontand rear side wall formingelements located with the upper surfaces thereof positioned for engagingthe under surfaces of the front and rear side walls of the box blankthereby to cause same to shift angularly inwardly about their respectiveside edges toward a position perpendicular to the box basein response torelative movement therebetween; selectedcylindrical surfaces of saiddrums being formed for engaging and guiding the tabs of the blanktowardtheir respective open lock slits responsive to such side wall movement,and means for disengaging said box blanks from said margin engagingmeans. i

20. In a box forming apparatus, the combination comprising: primarysupporting means for a box blank, the latter being in substantially a'flatcondition and being formed with: a box base, front and rear sidewalls connected to the front and rear edges of such box base, said frontand rear walls each having connected respectivley to its left and rightside edges corner lock tabs, each having a locking tip connected to itsouter corner, and left and right side flaps connected to the left andright side edges of said box base, each such side flap having a pair ofsubstantially parallel corner lock slits formed therein substantiallyperpendicular to their respective base side edge, said lock slits inturn forming a pair of end lock strips on each side flap along the frontand rear edges thereof and interposed therebetween a side flap centerpanel; a first pair of spaced apart coaxial box forming drums; a secondpair of spaced apart coaxial box forming drums; said pairs of drumsbeing mounted for rotation on axes parallel to one another, said pairsof drums being spaced apart for movement on opposite sides of a boxforming region and thereby positioned for acting on the opposite sideflaps of a box blank, each pair of drums being formed with selectedguide surfaces, and

with means for engaging the outer margin of its respective side flap inresponse to rotation of the drums thereby urging the side flap againstsuch selected surfaces and dishing outwardly the center panel of theside flaps and concurrently bowing inwardly the end lock strips thereofthereby to open the lock slits while angularly shifting said side flapsabout their respective side edges toward a position perpendicular to thebox base, said drums with their box blank outer margin engaging meansbeing thus adapted for moving the blank while so forming same,stationary front and rear side wall forming elements, each beingsubstantially in the form of an inverted L with an arcuateinterconnection between the arms thereof, said forming elements beinglocated with the upper surfaces thereof positioned for engaging theunder surfaces of the front and rear side walls of the box blank therebyto cause same to shift angularly inwardly about their respective sideedges toward a position perpendicular to the box base in response torelative movement therebetween; selected cylindrical surfaces of saiddrums being formed for engaging and guiding the tabs of the blank towardtheir respective open lock slits responsive to such side wall movement,second means for engaging opposite parts of said box blank; and meansfor moving said second means at a greater speed than saidfirst-mentioned outer margin engaging means and for guiding such secondmeans to move said blank out of engagement with said drums and saidouter margin engaging means and thence further relative to said frontand rear side wall forming elements, the latter having resilient lowerarms positioned for resiliently urging said front and rear side walls toa position substantially perpendicular to the box base whereby all ofthe tabs penetrate fully into their respective slits and the respectivelock tips of such tabs engage an edge of the respective lock slits tolock the Walls and flaps in position.

No references cited.

